21  How the faithful city

has become a ^cwhore,¹

she who was full of justice!

Righteousness lodged in her,

but now murderers.

22  Your silver has become ^ddross,

your best wine mixed with water.

23  ^eYour princes are rebels

and companions of thieves.

Everyone loves a bribe

and runs after gifts.

They do not bring justice to the fatherless,

and the widow’s cause does not come to them.

24  Therefore the Lord declares,

the Lord of hosts,

^fthe Mighty One of Israel:

“Ah, I will get relief from my enemies

and avenge myself on my foes.

25  I will turn my hand against you

and will smelt away your dross as with lye

and remove all your alloy.

26  And I will restore your judges as at the first,

and your counselors as at the beginning.

Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness,

the faithful city.”